The Australian Ballet’s 2024 season has been announced, with a world premiere by Christopher Wheeldon as one of its major highlights.
That ballet will be Oscar, about the life and works of the poet and author Oscar Wilde (1854-1900). A writer of genius, wit and huge popularity, Wilde’s stories and plays are still read and performed today, such as The Happy Prince, The Importance of Being Earnest and his Die Profundis, written while he was in gaol for the crime of “gross indecency” with men. (Wilde coined the phrase “the love that dare not speak its name”.) The music will be by Wheeldon’s frequent collaborator, Jodie Talbot. (September 13-24, Melbourne; November, 8-23 Sydney.)
Oscar will mark the company’s first appearance at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne, which will be its venue for the next three years because of the forthcoming closure of Arts Centre Melbourne for renovations. In fact Melbourne will see the company only three times in 2024 in comparison with Sydney’s five.
Two other exciting premieres are promised for 2024. The first is Carmen, by Swedish choreographer Johan Inger, a dark, violent version set in the 21st century. Originally developed for the Campañía Nacional de Danza in Madrid, it has received many plaudits since. The ballet was a proud centrepiece at the Adelaide Festival in 2019 when it was presented by the Semperoper Ballet Dresden. More recently, Australian audiences had a taste of Inger’s dancemaking with the quirky I New Then, at DanceX last year. (Carmen will be presented in Sydney only, April 10-27.)
The other premiere is by Australian choreographer Stephanie Lake. Called Circle Electric, and billed as her “most ambitious project to date”, Lake’s contemporary virtuosity will be paired with the all-classical technical showpiece Etudes, by Harald Lander. (May 3-18, Sydney; October 2-9, Melbourne.)
The year will start with the return of the immensely successful and popular Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, also by Wheeldon, which will be presented in Melbourne and Sydney in March, and the return of Balanchine’s Jewels, which will be presented in Adelaide from July 12-18. The year will end with Peter Wright’s Nutcracker in Sydney (Nov 30 - Dec 18).
Artistic Director of the Australian Ballet David Hallberg says: “Our 2024 season is brimming with ambitious repertoire that exemplifies our vast artistic versatility. This season brings creation to our core with exciting world premieres from acclaimed choreographers, alongside some of the most beloved ballets in the classical canon. Season 2024 has works that will provide the dancers with variation and depth to explore their artistry and equally provides audiences with a chance to witness the greatest creative talents in the world of dance.”
For more details go here.
See an earlier interview with Johan Inger about his 'Carmen' here.